Decade In Review: The Importance of Religion in Shaping the Sexual Attitude of College Students in the 1990s

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine college students’ attitudes on a variety of sexual issues over the past ten years. The study focused on attitudes toward virginity, premarital sex, homosexuality, abortion, oral sex, and the role of love in a sexual relationship for 2,039 college students attending a large state university in the northeast during the 1990s. Results indicate that compared to the responses of college students in 1990, the 1999 sample was more conservative in their attitudes toward virginity, premarital sex, and abortion. On the other hand, the 1999 sample was more accepting of homosexuality. Very few significant differences were found between the attitudes of males and females. However, when looking at the importance of religion, many significant differences were found when comparing both the 1990 and 1999 sample. Those who felt religion played an important role in their lives were more likely to feel virginity was important, and to oppose premarital sex, homosexuality, abortion, and sex without love.